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Customizing a seat with gel inserts?

FZ1MinesRdRipper

FZ1MinesRdRipper

Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Location
Santa Cruz, California
Moto(s)
09' FZ1 - 17' FZ10 Street/ Trackdays
It's for a girlfriend that has a Kawasaki Z650...stock seat hard a brick.

Looking to see who might do this kind of work in the South Bay or East Bay. I don't want to do Corbin if I can help it.
Thanks :afm199
 
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I bought a gel seat for my DRZSM.

If parked in he sun the gel would retain heat for 15 minutes and burn your arse all the while.
 
I had the seat on my BMW R1200RT re-upholstered last year by Laam Seats in Redding. It made a world of difference and it was half the price of a Russel Day Long.
You can mail him your seat, or make an appointment for same day service if you want to ride up there.
Not sure if he does gel inserts though.
If you're looking for increased comfort he's worth checking out
http://laamseats.com/
 
FZ1MinesRdRipper said:
Looking to see who might do this kind of work in the South Bay or East Bay. I don't want to do Corbin if I can help it.
Thanks :afm199
Click to expand...

You could install a seat concepts kit yourself.

Not the location you requested, but I had custom seat work done in SF by this guy:
https://www.yelp.com/biz/motorcycle-scooter-upholstery-san-francisco

FWIW I loved the Sergeant seat on my older FZ1, and it had a custom pan, lighter than stock & with extra storage underneath. That alone might make it appealing. Dunno if the same is true for the 2nd gen FZ1. I've had a Sergeant for a different bike that also had a custom pan, but with less extra room underneath.
 
I got my BMW done at Rich's Custom Seats in Kingston WA because it's just up the road from me.
If you're on a west coast road trip, it might be worth scheduling an appointment.
They've got camping and indoor accommodation.

I had tried out a few gel seats on other bikes, and if they're out in the sun for a while they can retain a lot of heat.

I had lighter colored leather put on to reflect some of that and I've not had the "Hot Seat" since.
About 10 years ago. Recommend.

pinstripe2.jpg
 
I ordered a seat foam with a gel insert for my klx650. It was every bit as bad as the stocker, as it was the same narrow shape and the gel pad seemed to do nothing. I don't think installing a gel pad on an uncomfortable seat will help.
 
Who needs comfort when you're leaning off the bike ripping Mines?
 
Or ... buy a pair of of Moto-Skiveez and leave you seat as-is.
 
GAJ said:
I bought a gel seat for my DRZSM.

If parked in he sun the gel would retain heat for 15 minutes and burn your arse all the while.
Click to expand...
Yes...I was thinking that the gel may not be the way to go. A few friends have them, but maybe they put something over the seat while it's parked? Thanks for the reply. :afm199

greenmonster said:
I had the seat on my BMW R1200RT re-upholstered last year by Laam Seats in Redding. It made a world of difference and it was half the price of a Russel Day Long.
You can mail him your seat, or make an appointment for same day service if you want to ride up there.
Not sure if he does gel inserts though.
If you're looking for increased comfort he's worth checking out
http://laamseats.com/
Click to expand...
Thanks for this info...I'll check this out for her. :thumbup

davidji said:
You could install a seat concepts kit yourself. :thumbup

Not the location you requested, but I had custom seat work done in SF by this guy:
https://www.yelp.com/biz/motorcycle-scooter-upholstery-san-francisco

FWIW I loved the Sergeant seat on my older FZ1, and it had a custom pan, lighter than stock & with extra storage underneath. That alone might make it appealing. Dunno if the same is true for the 2nd gen FZ1. I've had a Sergeant for a different bike that also had a custom pan, but with less extra room underneath.
Click to expand...
I'll check out the yelp page. :thumbup

Jammer said:
Who needs comfort when you're leaning off the bike ripping Mines?
Click to expand...
:laughing:thumbup All be back on Mines hopefully in September. It's been (3) years almost. I might need a lead to show me the fast lines...not.:rofl
 
I have a cut down seat on a 600 Hornet that is a real ass burner. Unable to locate a stock seat, or better replacement, I put an air seat over it. It's hopelessly ugly and hard to look at, but the comfort improvement is amazing. I can now ride out a tank of gas in comfort. Mine is a Chinese knock off, and cost about 40 dollars to my door. It can be installed or removed in a matter of minutes. I'm still on the look out for a permanent solution, but can use the bike in the meantime.
 
bobl said:
I have a cut down seat on a 600 Hornet that is a real ass burner. Unable to locate a stock seat, or better replacement, I put an air seat over it. It's hopelessly ugly and hard to look at, but the comfort improvement is amazing. I can now ride out a tank of gas in comfort. Mine is a Chinese knock off, and cost about 40 dollars to my door. It can be installed or removed in a matter of minutes. I'm still on the look out for a permanent solution, but can use the bike in the meantime.
Click to expand...

This is a great solution if you can live with the look. I've seen these advertised and always wondered if they do the job. Maybe a thorough search of the internet could turn up a "prettier" air seat? Can't beat the price for sure.
 
Old trick is to hollow the bottom of the seat foam, to create a more dished shape. Spread the load, so to speak. Perhaps this would help.
This also allows one to staple back on the stock cover.
 
Lolo Pamanés but he is in Spain. YouTube his videos. You can see he is an expert in that matter.
 
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